An unsettling episode in Ireland's history

Last Thursday night marked an unsettling episode in Ireland's history, with masses of right-wing, anti-foreigner protestors taking to the streets and causing widespread destruction in our capital city. The guardians of peace seemed unable to enforce order, raising concerns about a breakdown in policing in Dublin.

While some of these concerns are valid, the situation is more nuanced than it appears. The underlying tensions had been simmering for a while, awaiting a catalyst to escalate matters. Unfortunately, the stabbing incident outside a school in Dublin provided that spark, enabling troublemakers to exploit the situation and incite chaos.

This unrest has been brewing for some time, with similar groups causing disruptions in public libraries, harassing staff, and protesting against certain books. The Garda response has been notably cautious, avoiding confrontation despite ongoing harassment. There have been protests at the arrival of refugees to centres around the country but especially in inner city Dublin.

We see the Gardai continually being harassed and videoed by those who are just looking for a response. At the same time every garda in the country knows that GSOC, the oversight body, is waiting for complaints against them so they can go to town on the Guard. The uniformed garda feels abandoned by their leadership and the divide between those in a white shirt and those in the blue polo t shirt is getting wider.

Notably, the lack of confidence among Garda officers to draw their batons during last Thursday's events raises questions about the effectiveness of their leaders. It’s a disgrace when a guard or sergeant does not feel safe drawing his issued equipment because he feels he lacks the support of leadership. Sadly, it exists in many jobs today.

As discussions unfold, there will likely be calls to dismiss the commissioner and minister. However, a measured approach is crucial to avoid exacerbating the situation. We have a situation where there were no applications for the position of Deputy Commissioner and the incumbent had to take back her notice to retire. If the commissioner is goes who replaces him?

Addressing the issue of pay disparity for promoted officers, particularly at the commissioner ranks, is essential. The current taxation burden due to pension rules demands urgent attention from the Department of Finance, with collaboration from the Justice department and the Commissioner. There are too many anomalies going back to the financial emergency times and they should be addressed immediately not just for gardaí but across the public service.

The consensus is that the gardaí were ill-prepared for the riots, with insufficient manpower and delayed calls for assistance. This responsibility lies with operational commanders, not solely the commissioner. Why wait so long to seek reinforcements from the rest of the country?

Examining the resources deployed during the unrest reveals gaps. Questions arise about the absence of the Garda dog unit and what about the horses? They have proven effective in crowd control in other situations. I have seen them in action in London and they can clear a path very quickly. A big horse is a very intimidating sight, four together and it’s even worse.

There was an immediate awareness that there were leadership issues on Thursday. The commissioner told his members on Friday morning that they would have his full backing if they drew their baton and acted within the law. Two water cannons were borrowed from the PSNI on Friday this was also a positive step. Now they need to buy their own and have them available. It’s always better to be looking at things than looking for them.

The discussion on immigration in the Dail during the week reflects a growing sentiment of anti-immigrant feelings among the populace. When Danny Healy Rae speaks he is merely echoing what he hears. His demand for vetting of people before they come to towns and villages is quite a common one now.

There is need for a proper discussion on immigration, people need to feel that they are being listened to and also that they are valued. On Thursday we saw an attack on child who was the daughter of two non-Irish parents, we saw a foreigner save the day and immobilise the attacker. We then saw foreigners give first aid at the scene, treat the casualties in the hospital and generally look after situation.

Those Irish boys who went rioting had no real thoughts for the child who was hurt or the family waiting to see what happened. They just wanted to cause disruption and destruction. They looted shops stole the runners and the fancy gear, changed their shoes and left the old ones there. Thank God for DNA. Strange wasn’t it that no work boots were stolen, no books were touched. Just the fancy stuff made by foreigners!

Policing is in bother in Dublin but it’s also in trouble in Mayo, Longford and Roscommon. There are no Gardai to be seen, a car is hijacked in Castlerea an older woman is dragged along the road. We’re concerned but it’s just one of many things happening. Something needs to happen maybe Thursday was that thing?